White looks forward

The British

& Irish Lions

Tour to New Zealand 2017

White looks forward

South Africa coach Jake White is looking for a more offensive display from his side when they take on Australia in the Tri-Nations on Saturday.

White wants the Springboks to add a new attacking element to their defensive qualities in order to secure an unprecedented second Tri-Nations title.

The Boks' rush defence has been the hallmark of the defending champions' superb start in winning both their games at home. But New Zealand's victory in Sydney at the weekend means even a Boks victory over Australia will not guarantee the title.

Providing South Africa beat Australia, White's men can then only be denied if New Zealand beat them in Dunedin on August 27 and also see off Australia in Auckland the following week. Bonus points could then play a key role in the outcome.

But White refuses to look too far ahead.

"Tana Umaga (All Blacks captain and centre) said in an article on Monday that one of the ways to get the ball back was by good defence," White told the Beeld newspaper.

"Ideally, one should keep possession all the time and force the opponents to defend. But the game is not just about defending, but how often you can slow down or take the ball away from the attackers. Those are important elements.

"You want a situation where your defence is so well organised that it could seem as if the opponents have more possession. The most important thing is to control your defence. We would like to have more possession and attack more."

Midfielder Marius Joubert has not been included in the 22-man squad for the game because he is still suffering from a sore hamstring, while captain John Smit is back in training after being laid low by a stomach virus over the weekend.

Scrum-half Fourie du Preez also didn't train as he has a stiff back. A decision on his fitness is likely to be taken in the next 24 hours.